Canada Lives Here

While Toronto has emerged as a leading global city, it remains very much a Canadian city; home to some of Canada’s most famous icons and a spectacular range of cultures.

Arts and Culture

The most extensive collections of Canadian art featuring the famous Group of Seven painters can be found at the Art Gallery of Ontario in downtown Toronto.
The Museum of Inuit Art on Toronto’s waterfront showcases art from Canada’s northern communities, including a wide range of paintings and sculptures.
The Toronto Symphony Orchestra (TSO) is one of Canada’s longest standing symphonic ensembles established in 1922. With a large roster of musicians, many of whom are acclaimed artists, the music moves everyone.
The Canadian Opera Company has a reputation for artistic excellence and creativity, warming hearts with its musical performances.
Few things run deeper in Canadian culture than hockey. The history of hockey in Canada and around the world – including the Stanley Cup itself – can be found in the Hockey Hall of Fame in downtown Toronto.

Canadian Icons

The CN Tower, Rogers Centre, Casa Loma and even Degrassi Street, which inspired the global television show, are all Canadian landmarks and all in Toronto.
Recognized Canadians are forever remembered for their accomplishments on Canada’s Walk of Fame.
Some of Canada’s most famous brands can be found in Toronto, including Hudson Bay Company, Roots and Holt Renfrew.

Food

Although infused with worldly flavours, some of Toronto’s finest restaurants highlight local ingredients and traditional Canadian dishes. Maple syrup, peameal bacon and poutine are among the best-known examples but many top chefs at restaurants such as Canoe and Bannock bring a contemporary feel to these traditional items.
Local farms supply Toronto with seasonal ingredients. Visit farms such as Whittamore’s Farm and Riverdale Farm and pick apples, pumpkins and strawberries yourself.
Ontario wines are among the best in the world, particularly Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet and Baco Noir varietals, along with Ontario’s world-famous Icewine.

Heritage

Canadian history can be seen and felt at Fort York, site of the Battle of York during the War of 1812; St. Lawrence Hall, the legendary meeting place of the emancipation movement leaders and the Underground Railroad; Black Creek Pioneer Village, which demonstrates the challenges of settler life in the region; Royal Ontario Museum’s collection of Canadian First Nations artifacts.

Seasons

Four very different seasons change Canada’s landscape. Toronto is no different: Summer brings outdoor festivals closing down the streets; Fall colours are displayed in the parks and surrounding farms; Winter skating, skiing, and snuggling-up with hot chocolate never gets old; Spring breathes new life into the city with arts and cultural happenings. Any time is a good time to visit.
Worth knowing: Well-known author and contemporary artist Douglas Coupland’s “Red Canoe” is a snapshot of Canadiana and also represents iconic artist, Tom Thomson who canoed and painted in Algonquin Park.